1
as in control
the ability to direct the course of something
The team got out to a big lead and rightly assumed that victory was within their grasp.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
during the roller coaster ride, my date clutched my arm with a deathlike grasp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I think I finally have a grasp of Spanish grammar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to understand
to have a practical understanding of
he just doesn't grasp how important it is that he call when he'll be late
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
the departing soldier grasped his children a little closer than usual
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to hold
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
the attendant grasped my arm and steered me towards the door
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to know
to have a clear idea of
the emergency operator finally grasped what he was trying to tell her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of grasp
Michael Fitts, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The Hurricanes needed that to happen after the game nearly slipped out of their grasps.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Paddles flashed almost in unison as the riders grasping them made their way down to the river side of the sandbar.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
Achieving a new energy paradigm is perhaps the most exciting, and necessary, of all emerging technological advancements within the grasp of America’s universities.
—Michael Fitts, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The Hurricanes needed that to happen after the game nearly slipped out of their grasps.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
The difference here is how explicitly that tragedy appears, whereas the director built much of her best work on nuance and suggestion — on the viewer experiencing events rather than fully grasping them.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Paddles flashed almost in unison as the riders grasping them made their way down to the river side of the sandbar.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
Somehow, the Hollywood star was still welcomed into the cockpit by the starstruck flight crew and allowed to briefly take control of the airliner.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Shut out of control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are seeking to rebuild their brand with the American electorate following a poor performance during the 2024 presidential election.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Husseini attempted to ply him with patronage, appointing him imam of a new mosque, but the cleric’s burgeoning following augured poorly for Husseini’s grip on power.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
These aftermarket ultra-high performance summer tires are an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts seeking to maximize grip in both dry and wet conditions (the fitment was 235/40R18—the factory stock size for the Civic Si).—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
She has been hailed for her deep understanding of local government and ability to reach across the aisle to implement her agenda.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Togetherness, understanding, players who want to fight in the same direction.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Your smartphone's voice assistant struggles to understand your accent but works perfectly for others.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
While parenting responsibilities are widely understood and sometimes better supported in the workplace, senior care still has a long way to go, Zlotsky said.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles held an emotional meeting with staff on Wednesday after the assassination, telling members to go home and hug their families, the Wall Street Journal reported.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In typical athlete origin story fashion, the first half of the Christy trailer depicts the unpolished, brunette Sweeney as real-life champion Christy Salters Martin slugging it out in practice, training on a beach, and hugging her supportive team.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Republicans hold a strong majority in both chambers of the General Assembly, holding 29 out of 35 seats in the Senate and 81 of 100 seats in the House.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Ellison held second place prior to earnings release Ellison’s rise comes a day after Forbes released its list of the world’s richest people.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
He was reportedly known to law enforcement to wear a shoulder holster on the left side of his body.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In late March, a 3-year-old Leavenworth boy known as EJ fell asleep for the night on a neighbor’s couch after eating grapes.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Language contains appreciation, perspective, and possibility.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Since the 2010s, however, his photographs have started to appear with greater frequency and impact in small exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest, earning Matsura an ever-widening circle of admiration and appreciation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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